Interim govt expands advisory board with new appointments

NN Online Report:

The interim government of Bangladesh is set to expand its advisory board by adding five new advisors. Four of the new appointees have been confirmed as former Secretary Muhammad Fauzul Kabir Khan, ex-Cabinet Secretary Ali Imam Mujumdar, economist Wahiduddin Mahmud, and former Director General of Bangladesh Rifles, Lieutenant General (Retd) Jahangir Alam.

According to cabinet sources, the decision to increase the number of advisors reflects the interim government’s commitment to broadening its advisory base. The formal oath-taking ceremony for the new advisors is scheduled for tomorrow, August 16, 2024, at 4 p.m. at Bangabhaban. President Md. Sahabuddin will administer the oaths, with Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus and other advisors in attendance.

Previously, the interim government had sworn in 17 advisors in three phases. On August 8, Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus and 14 other advisors took their oaths, although three were absent due to being abroad. Subsequent swearing-in ceremonies were held on August 11 for advisors Supradip Chakma and Bidhyan Ranjan Ray, and on August 13 for advisor Faruk-e-Azam.

The formation of the interim government follows the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on August 5 amid student-led protests demanding her resignation. The 12th National Parliament was dissolved, leading to the establishment of the interim administration.